Educator’s Corner

England's primary school students rank fourth globally in reading proficiency. And yet, reading for pleasure is at its lowest level since 2005. Meanwhile, fewer young people are choosing to study English literature at A Level, and around 50% of UK adults do not read regularly. In this episode, Daisy Christodoulou, Director of Education at No More Marking, sheds light on the reasons behind this shift. She explains:- Why so many children have stopped reading for pleasure- Which subjects students are choosing instead of English literature- How this declining trend is playing out across the globe- What teachers, parents and governments might do to reignite interest in reading

In this episode:

0:40 The state of reading
4:52 English Lit versus Maths
7:55 Reading as a global issue
10:11 Benefits of reading more
16:03 A balanced approach?
19:04 Building a reading habit
23:23 A book Kai will never forget
24:54 No more Smartphones
28:48 Vibrant school libraries
36:30 Daisy's favourite poem
37:50 World Book Day ideas
39:40 Daisy's leadership tips

About Our Guest
Daisy Christodoulou is a leading voice in education and is known for her work in assessment, curriculum reform, and evidence-based teaching. She is the author of Seven Myths About Education, Making Good Progress, Teachers Versus Tech, and I Can’t Stop Thinking About VAR.

Resources & Links

• Daisy Christodoulou’s Books
• No More Marking
• PIRLS Report

Join the Conversation
What do you think about the future of reading and English literature in education? Share your thoughts with Kai on LinkedIn or YouTube.

KaiPod NewsEnjoyed this episode? Keep the conversation going with KaiPod News — a fortnightly newsletter from Kai Vacher sharing fresh insights, stories, and strategies from education leaders around the world. Subscribe here.

Credits

Hosted by Kai Vacher

Produced by Stuart Pardoe, Zoe Snell, and Marion James

A BSM BSS production

Is teaching in the United Arab Emirates all about brunches, beaches, and tax-free salaries? In this episode, we delve into the reality of teaching in the UAE with the Editorial Director of Teach Middle East Magazine, Leisa Grace Wilson.

Join us as we explore the opportunities and challenges of working in one of the fastest-growing international education hubs. We discuss the growing demand for international teachers, why so many UK teachers are moving abroad, and what you need to know before making the leap.

In this episode, learn about: 

2:10 Leisa's journey to the UAE
6:17 Creating a community for educators
8:09 Jet-set life in Dubai?
10:38 Opportunities beyond Dubai
13:39 Not a working holiday
15:55 School inspections and expectations
17:36 Teacher turnover
24:55 Let's talk about money
35:35 Perceptions versus reality
40:45 Thriving as a teacher in the UAE
46:22 Leisa's leadership tips

Learn more about teaching life in the Middle East:

• Teach Middle East Magazine: https://teachmiddleeastmag.com/
• Teach Middle East YouTube @teachmiddleeast

Articles

• Griffiths, S. (2024). ‘Where have all the teachers gone? Classroom brain drain as Britons lured abroad,’ The Times, 8th June
• Craven, N. and Hooper, R. (20224). 'The great classroom brain drain,’ The Daily Mail, 15th June

Resources

• BSO Inspection reports
• COBIS accreditation reports
• Glassdoor for staff reviews

Credits

Hosted by Kai Vacher
Produced by Stuart Pardoe, Zoe Snell, and Marion James
A BSM BSS production

In this episode, we get curious about curriculum redesign and innovation with Will Goldsmith, Headteacher of Bedales School in the UK.

Bedales, along with Latymer Upper School, made news headlines in September 2023 for ditching GCSE qualifications.

Bedales' 10-year curriculum redesign involves replacing GCSEs with their own Bedales Assessed Courses (BACs) to better equip students for the next stage in learning and life.

In this episode, learn about: 

2:00 Bedales’ history of innovation

4:19 Daily life at Bedales

6:21 Search for reform

10:13 A GCSE-free curriculum

13:16 Bedales Assessed Courses

19:11 Reclaiming time for learning  

25:11 Examples of courses at Bedales

28:39 The value of curriculum redesign

33:10 Universities' recognition of BACs

36:44 Getting stakeholders onboard

40:49 Small steps towards reform

44:51 The future of curriculum and assessment

46:19 Lessons learned in leadership

Learn more about schools redesigning curriculum:

• Bedales School
• Latymer Upper School

Articles:

• Busby, E. (2023) Private school to move further away from ‘outdated’ GCSEs, headteacher says
• Wiliam, D. (2013) Redesigning Schooling – 3: Principled curriculum design

Resources

• ASCl, The Forgotten Third
• The School-Directed Courses Consortium
• The Times, Commission on Education

Credits

Hosted by Kai Vacher
Produced by Stuart Pardoe, Zoe Snell, and Marion James
A BSM BSS production

AI is currently dominating the conversation in education. But is it the most urgent priority? As fake news infiltrates our social media feeds and deepfakes become evermore convincing, young people need more than AI literacy to navigate the world.That’s a view shared by the OECD, WEF, McKinsey and today’s guest, Leo Thompson. As a teacher, school leader and Edsplorer, Leo is known for his work in helping improve learning and wellbeing for children. In this episode, he joins Kai to discuss:- The essential skills students need to successfully and independently navigate a post-AI world- A question for your community that will have a surprising impact on your school- A toolbox of practical classroom strategies to help you prepare your students for our V.U.C.A worldAnd if you’re not familiar with that acronym, we’ll also explain it.About our guestLeo Thompson is a teacher, school leader and the founder of Edsplorer, a consultancy dedicated to advancing education through innovation and insight. He previously served as Head of Educational Partnerships for iCanStudy. He and his team of specialists help international schools around the world improve children’s learning skills and, in turn, well-being.Resources If we haven’t exhausted your curiosity during the episode here’s some terrific links to deepen your learning:Leos website: www.edsplorer.comWhat kind of learning for SSAT: https://webcontent.ssatuk.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/09150124/RS2-What-kind-of-teaching-for-what-kind-of-learning.pdfThe OECD Learning Compass: https://www.oecd.org/en/data/tools/oecd-learning-compass-2030.html The World Economic Forum: https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2023/ McKinsey's 2021 useful model and breakdown: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/public-sector/our-insights/defining-the-skills-citizens-will-need-in-the-future-world-of-work WHO. Adolescent mental health: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-healthKaiPod NewsEnjoyed this episode? Keep the conversation going with KaiPod News — a fortnightly newsletter from Kai Vacher sharing fresh insights, stories, and strategies from education leaders around the world. Subscribe here.

Educator's Corner Episode 14
Kaipod

Bill Gates recently predicted that AI will replace teachers within 10 years. But is he right? In this episode, we sit down with Priya Lakhani, CEO and founder of Century Tech, to explore what AI really means for the future of education. Join us as we discuss: - The biggest challenges and opportunities of using AI in education - 3 ethical considerations that every school AI policy should embrace - How to balance AI-powered tools with traditional teaching methods - Why AI will never fully replace the role of teachers While new technologies may change classrooms beyond recognition, this conversation reveals why human intelligence, judgment, and relationships are more important than ever.About Our GuestPriya Lakhani is the CEO and founder of Century Tech, which provides AI-powered personalised learning pathways for students and teachers. As an entrepreneur, innovator and board member of the UK Government’s AI Council, Priya is an expert in AI innovation and education. Resources:

⁠Priya Lakhani LinkedInKaiPod NewsEnjoyed this episode? Keep the conversation going with KaiPod News — a fortnightly newsletter from Kai Vacher sharing fresh insights, stories, and strategies from education leaders around the world. Subscribe here.

Educator's Corner Episode 13

#AIinEducation, #EdTech, #FutureOfLearning, #EthicalAI, #RethinkingEducation, #EdTech, #FutureOfLearning, #RethinkingSchooling, #EducatorsCorner, #EducationPodcast,

In this episode, we speak with Lord Jim Knight, a prominent figure in education and technology, about moving beyond Ofsted, curriculum reform, and the impact of AI on education.

Lord Knight, former Minister of State for Schools and member of Gordon Brown's cabinet, is currently non-executive chair of several organisations including E-Act, Century Tech, STEM Learning and COBIS. He shares his journey from theatre manager and sales rep to politician and education reformer.

Key topics discussed:

• Findings and conclusions from the Beyond Ofsted review, which Lord Knight recently chaired

Lord Knight offers valuable insights on reforming school inspections, reimagining the curriculum, and thoughtfully integrating AI into education. His perspective as both a former government minister and current education leader provides a unique view on these critical issues facing schools today.

Links:

• Beyond Ofsted report: https://beyondofsted.org.uk/

Teacher wellbeing is central to student success, which is why it’s a key priority for many school leaders. But with limited time and resources, how can we make a real difference to staff wellbeing?Mark Leppard MBE, Headmaster at The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi, joins us to explore 4 practical ways to support staff wellbeing in schools. Tune in to discover:- One simple protocol that can drastically improve staff wellbeing- How giving feedback fosters positive relationships between colleagues- Why schools should implement flexible work arrangements - Successful examples of flexible working strategies in schools (including for teachers)- How to create flexibility while maintaining educational excellenceAs the teacher recruitment crisis grows, we urgently need a solution. Could focusing on staff wellbeing be the answer? Join us to find out. About Our GuestMark Leppard MBE has nearly 20 years of experience as a headteacher of British School Al Khubiarat and, previously, at Doha College. He is a frequent contributor to educational discussions and conferences, speaking on the topics of school governance, leadership and student and staff wellbeing in schools.Resources

• 5 ways to support ‘professional wellbeing’ in your school ⁠https://www.tes.com/magazine/leadership/staff-management/5-ways-support-teacher-professional-wellbeing-schools⁠
• ‘Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well’⁠https://a.co/d/bUSxB06⁠
• Department for Education (England) 2024 pay award:⁠https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2024/07/29/teacher-pay-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-2024-pay-award/⁠
• Kai Vacher will be speaking about flexible working in schools on 13 November at GESS Dubai: GESS Dubai 12-14 November 2024: ⁠https://www.gessdubai.com/⁠ KaiPod NewsEnjoyed this episode? Keep the conversation going with KaiPod News — a fortnightly newsletter from Kai Vacher sharing fresh insights, stories, and strategies from education leaders around the world. Subscribe here.

• ISC Research (https://iscresearch.com/)
• LYIS (https://leadingyourinternationalschool.com/)
• COBIS (https://www.cobis.org.uk/)
• BSME (https://www.bsme.org.uk/)
• FOBISIA (https://www.fobisia.org/)
• HMC (https://www.hmc.org.uk/)
• CIS (https://www.cois.org/)
• IB (https://www.ibo.org/)
• TeachMiddleEast (https://teachmiddleeastmag.com/)

KaiPod NewsEnjoyed this episode? Keep the conversation going with KaiPod News — a fortnightly newsletter from Kai Vacher sharing fresh insights, stories, and strategies from education leaders around the world. Subscribe here.

How can schools improve student wellbeing and inclusivity? In this episode of the Educator’s Corner podcast, I am joined by Matthew Savage, an educational consultant and creator of the "Mona Lisa Effect," to explore this question. Matthew shares: - The importance of data in measuring what truly matters in education.- How leaders can create a more supportive and inclusive learning environment.- Simple strategies for winning over educators who find data intimidating.- How kind, warm, street, and slow data fit into the broader context of education. This compelling conversation offers a unique perspective on how data can help us improve student wellbeing and ensure every child feels seen, heard, known, and belongs without exception. About our guest Matthew Savage is an educational consultant who has worked with some of the world's leading international schools. Matthew is known for his work on the "Mona Lisa Effect," a project that helps schools use data to improve student wellbeing and inclusivity in education.

Resources

• Matthews website: https://monalisaeffect.me/who-i-am/
• Norah Bateson Warm Data (have a read of this article in particular)
• Shane Safir and Jamila Dugan's Street Data (Jennifer Gonzalez offers a deep dive into this here), 
• Tim Logan's 'Future Learning Design' podcast
• Cathy O'Neill's Weapons of Math Destruction 
• Caroline Criado Perez's Invisible Women 
• Steve Camden https://www.bearstories.org/poems
• Carl Honore   ‘In Praise of Slow’ 

KaiPod NewsEnjoyed this episode? Keep the conversation going with KaiPod News — a fortnightly newsletter from Kai Vacher sharing fresh insights, stories, and strategies from education leaders around the world. Subscribe here.

The global teacher shortage is hitting UK schools particularly hard. According to a recent Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report, 46% of secondary schools had at least one vacant position in the last academic year. British international schools are also struggling to recruit specialist secondary teachers.So, how can we solve the teacher shortage? Can innovation save us?In Part 2 of the Global Teacher Recruitment Crisis series, Mark Steed and I discuss some of the more innovative solutions to recruiting and retaining talented educators. We explore:- Key aspects to include in a school employment strategy- How remote tutoring could solve teacher shortages- How online schools are reimagining education in the UK and beyond- Whether hybrid schooling is the future of secondary schoolingJoin us as we explore ways to fix the global teacher shortage and turn this challenge into an opportunity for innovation.How is the global teacher recruitment crisis affecting your school, and how are you responding to it?About our guestMark Steed is the Director and Consultant at Steed Education, which specialises in educational consultancy support for Schools Groups, U.K. independent schools, and English-speaking international schools. Read more about Mark here.

Resources

• John Howson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-howson-21093129/
• Schoolsweek: https://schoolsweek.co.uk/dfe-on-track-to-miss-teacher-recruitment-targets-again/
• COBIS Teacher Supply Report 2022:  https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1651160654/cobis/fxtlopinmbyhwzixnnry/COBISTeacherSupplyReport2022.pdf
• Kai’s article in School Management Plus: https://www.schoolmanagementplus.com/bursars-finance/how-innovation-could-save-us-from-the-global-teacher-shortage/
• SteedEducation website: https://www.steededucation.com/blog1/why-hybrid-schools-are-the-future-of-secondary-schooling

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